[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 120 (Tuesday, July 17, 2018)]
[House]
[Pages H6337-H6338]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                EAST ROSEBUD WILD AND SCENIC RIVERS ACT

  Mr. McCLINTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
bill (H.R. 4645) to amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate 
certain segments of East Rosebud Creek in Carbon County, Montana, as 
components of the Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                               H.R. 4645

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``East Rosebud Wild and Scenic 
     Rivers Act''.

     SEC. 2. FINDINGS; PURPOSE.

       (a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
       (1) East Rosebud Creek is cherished by the people of 
     Montana and visitors from across the United States for its 
     clean water, spectacular natural setting, and outstanding 
     recreational opportunities;
       (2) recreational activities, including fishing, hunting, 
     camping, paddling, hiking, rock climbing, and wildlife 
     watching, on East Rosebud Creek and the surrounding land 
     generate millions of dollars annually for the local economy;
       (3) East Rosebud Creek--
       (A) is a national treasure;
       (B) possesses outstandingly remarkable values; and
       (C) merits the high level of protection afforded by the 
     Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1271 et seq.) in order 
     to maintain the benefits provided by the Creek, as described 
     in paragraphs (1) and (2), for future generations to enjoy; 
     and
       (4) designation of select public land segments of East 
     Rosebud Creek under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 
     1271 et seq.) would recognize the importance of maintaining 
     the values of the Creek while preserving public access, 
     respecting private property rights, allowing appropriate 
     maintenance of existing infrastructure, and allowing 
     historical uses of the Creek to continue.
       (b) Purpose.--The purpose of this Act is to designate East 
     Rosebud Creek in the State of Montana as a component of the 
     National Wild and Scenic Rivers System to preserve and 
     protect for present and future generations the outstandingly 
     remarkable scenic, recreational, and geologic values of the 
     Creek.

     SEC. 3. DESIGNATION OF WILD AND SCENIC RIVER SEGMENTS.

       (a) Designation.--Section 3(a) of the Wild and Scenic 
     Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1274(a)) is amended by adding at the 
     end the following:
       ``(213) East rosebud creek, montana.--The portions of East 
     Rosebud Creek in the State of Montana, consisting of--
       ``(A) the 13-mile segment exclusively on public land within 
     the Custer National Forest from the source in the Absaroka-
     Beartooth Wilderness downstream to the point at which the 
     Creek enters East Rosebud Lake, including the stream reach 
     between Twin Outlets Lake and Fossil Lake, to be administered 
     by the Secretary of Agriculture as a wild river; and
       ``(B) the 7-mile segment exclusively on public land within 
     the Custer National Forest from immediately below, but not 
     including, the outlet of East Rosebud Lake downstream to the 
     point at which the Creek enters private property for the 
     first time, to be administered by the Secretary of 
     Agriculture as a recreational river.''.
       (b) Adjacent Management.--
       (1) In general.--Nothing in paragraph (213) of section 3(a) 
     of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1274(a)) (as 
     added by subsection (a)) creates a protective perimeter or 
     buffer zone outside the designated boundary of the river 
     segment designated by that paragraph.
       (2) Outside activities.--The fact that an otherwise 
     authorized activity or use can be seen or heard within the 
     boundary of the river segment designated by paragraph (213) 
     of section 3(a) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 
     1274(a)) (as added by subsection (a)) shall not preclude the 
     activity or use outside the boundary of the river segment.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
California (Mr. McClintock) and the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. 
Grijalva) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California.


                             General Leave

  Mr. McCLINTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and 
include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from California?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. McCLINTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, East Rosebud Creek is located in Carbon County, Montana, 
just north of Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness in the Custer National 
Forest.
  The bill before us designates a 13-mile segment of East Rosebud 
Creek, beginning at its source, the East Rosebud Lake, as a wild and 
scenic river. A second 7-mile segment from the outlet of East Rosebud 
Lake to the point where the waterway enters private property would be 
designated as a recreational river.
  This legislation specifically applies only to the segments of the 
creek that lie within public lands. Important historical uses outside 
of the wild and scenic boundary are protected by this bill.
  Finally, H.R. 4645 explicitly prevents the creation of a buffer zone 
to restrict land use outside of the designated area.
  This legislation is the result of a compromise supported by a diverse 
coalition that includes local ranchers, sportsmen, conservationists, 
and business owners. Companion legislation has been introduced with the 
support of both Montana Senators.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I my consume.
  Mr. Speaker, this bill designates a 13-mile segment of East Rosebud 
Creek in the Custer National Forest as a wild river under the Wild and 
Scenic Rivers Act.
  This segment was nominated for designation in 1989, so 30 years later 
it finally comes to Congress, and we are moving forward with the 
recognition and protection it deserves.
  The bill contributes to a proud legacy of preserving free and flowing 
rivers for future generations, and I want to extend my congratulations 
to the sponsor of the legislation and the entire Montana delegation for 
their fine work.
  I know there are several bills that have been introduced by Democrats 
that seek to designate wild and scenic rivers in their districts. I 
hope we can move those along as well by working together to make sure 
these places also receive the appropriate attention as this particular 
one did.
  For now, Mr. Speaker, I am happy to urge my colleagues to join me in 
supporting the legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. McCLINTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to

[[Page H6338]]

the author of this measure, the gentleman from Montana (Mr. Gianforte).
  Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, East Rosebud Creek is one of Montana's 
most picturesque and popular streams. It is located in Carbon County, 
Montana, just north of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness in the Custer 
National Forest. It provides important habitat for fish and wildlife as 
well as a myriad of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, 
hunting, kayaking, and climbing.
  My bill designates a 13-mile section of East Rosebud Creek beginning 
at its source, the East Rosebud Lake, as a wild river. A second 7-mile 
section from the outlet of East Rosebud Lake to the point where the 
waterway enters private property would be designated as a recreational 
river.
  This legislation specifically applies only to the segments of the 
creek that lie within public lands. Important historical uses outside 
of the wild and scenic river boundary are protected by this bill.
  Finally, H.R. 4645 explicitly prevents the creation of a buffer zone 
to restrict land use outside of the designated area.
  This legislation represents a great compromise that has earned 
support from a diverse coalition that includes local ranchers, 
sportsmen, conservationists, businesses owners, and others. Companion 
legislation has been introduced with the support of the entire Montana 
delegation, including both Senators.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of this measure.
  Mr. McCLINTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from California (Mr. McClintock) that the House suspend the 
rules and pass the bill, H.R. 4645.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the bill was passed.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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